Which Thermostat is Best for my Wichita Home
Keeping up with technology is never easy, especially with how fast ‘smart’ products change. For many homeowners, comfort products like smart thermostats are more effort than they’re worth. But is that really the case? At Mike Watson Heating & Cooling, our close-knit team has decades of combined experience improving home comfort throughout Wichita. Today, we’ll compare the types of thermostats and give you tips on which thermostat is best for your Wichita home. Let’s get started!
What is a Traditional Thermostat?
Traditional or manual thermostats are the most basic thermostats for homes. These thermostats typically feature a simple display with basic temperature settings for heating, cooling, and fan control. It’s important to note that traditional thermostats don’t have programmable schedules. This means homeowners must manually change temperatures and adjust fan controls without the thermostat automatically changing. Despite the rise of smart technology, manual thermostats remain the most common choice in American homes, with the University of Washington reporting that over 56% of U.S. households use manual devices.
| Key Takeaways | Best For |
|---|---|
| No programming schedules | Homeowners looking for simple, to-the-point thermostat and controls |
| Simple, easy to use interface | Homes in moderate climates where temperatures don’t change as much |
| Can only be adjusted manually |
What is a Programmable Thermostat?
Homeowners commonly confuse traditional and programmable thermostats. The two most significant differences are the level of control and temperature management. With programmable thermostats, homeowners can schedule temperature adjustments throughout the day automatically. Over time, scheduled temperature changes can even reduce energy bills. The Department of Energy claims that homeowners can save up to 10% or more on utility costs by changing the temperature when you’re not at home.
| Key Takeaways | Best For |
|---|---|
| Allows basic programming and automated temperature changes | Families with regular schedules, individuals that value energy efficiency and want to reduce bills |
| Helps reduce energy bills when not at home | Midwest climates, and areas with frequently changing temperatures like Wichita |
| Increases comfort and convenience |
What is a Smart Thermostat?
Smart thermostats are the most advanced and expensive options available. These devices come with a list of features like WiFi connectivity, remote temperature adjustment, smart home integration, and adaptive learning. All of these features aim to fully optimize your home. The thermostat’s sensors and algorithms allow it to adapt and learn the homeowner’s habits, automatically adjusting the temperature over time to reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort.
| Key Takeaways | Best For |
|---|---|
| Offers the most control out of all types of thermostats | Tech savvy homeowners that prefer automation and smart home integration |
| Works with other smart home products | Very hot or cold climates that change frequently |
| Maximizes energy savings through advanced technology |
Important Things to Consider for Wichita Homeowners
Energy Savings and Efficiency
Investing in an energy-efficient thermostat in Wichita is a great idea. Given the frequent temperature and weather changes, having a thermostat that reduces energy costs and environmental impact can save you money in the long run. For a more in-depth look at how to save more money on energy costs check out our article “How to Save Money on Heating Bills.”
Convenience and Control
Features like remote control, Wi-Fi connectivity, and programmable scheduling offer greater convenience, simplifying temperature control and personalizing comfort. If ease of use is a top priority, consider a traditional or programmable thermostat that offers straightforward operation and reliable performance.
Life Span
Believe it or not, thermostats have a lifespan. In general, most thermostats last around 10 years with proper battery changes, and routine fixes. Keep an eye out for newer more energy efficient models, as these will offer better features and functions.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Thermostat | Programmable Thermostat | Smart Thermostat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Control | Manual adjustments | Pre-set schedules | Remote control, learning capabilities, geofencing |
| Energy Savings | Limited | Moderate (up to 10%) | Significant (up to 25%) |
| Convenience | Basic | Scheduled automation | High, remote access, app control, voice commands |
Smart Home Integration | None | None | Extensive, Alexa, Google assistant, etc. |
| Cost | Lowest | Mid-range | Highest |
| Ideal for | Simple needs, tight budgets | Regular schedules, basic automation | Maximum energy savings, advanced features, irregular schedules |
| Wichita Relevance | Can be inefficient for changing temps | Good for managing temperature swings | Ideal for maximizing energy savings during extreme weather |
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the best thermostat for your Wichita home depends on what you to to get out of the thermostat. Nonetheless, consider some of the following:
Traditional Thermostats
Traditional thermostats are great for those looking for a straightforward, simplistic option. They may also be suitable for homeowners with an older house.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a good choice for homeowners with regular schedules and those that want to spend more upfront for better energy savings over time.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats in Wichita are perfect for tech-savvy homeowners that want to maximize their comfort control. Remember, some smart thermostats may only work with more advanced HVAC systems.
Choosing the best thermostat for Your Wichita Home
Finding the right thermostat for your Wichita home is a delicate balance of budget, home size, lifestyles and HVAC requirements. But most importantly, prioritize your preferences and choose a thermostat that fits your specific needs.
At Mike Watson Heating & Cooling, we’ve spent decades installing thermostats, repairing HVAC equipment and answering questions for Wichita homeowners. So, if you need help installing a new thermostat or want help deciding on which one is right for your Wichita home, contact us anytime, we’re always happy to help.